Achensee, Alpine lake in Tyrol, Austria
Achensee lies within the Karwendel range and runs for nine kilometers, with its deepest point reaching down to 133 meters. In summer the water warms to around 22 degrees Celsius (72 degrees Fahrenheit), offering comfortable conditions for swimming.
Regular boat services began in 1887 with the launch of the steamer St. Josef, opening new connections between the villages along the shore. Since 1927 the water has been used to generate electricity, supplying power to the surrounding region.
The name comes from an old Germanic word for water, and today sailors and windsurfers gather here to use the thermal winds that blow across the surface. Old farmhouses and holiday homes line the shore, shaping the character of the surrounding area.
Five villages provide access to the shore: Achenkirch, Maurach, Pertisau, Steinberg, and Wiesing, each with its own docks and swimming areas. Summer temperatures allow for longer stays in the water, while cooler months are better for walks along the banks.
Underwater visibility often reaches ten meters, drawing divers to explore the depths. For nearly a century part of the water has flowed through a power station, generating electricity for the area.
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